Short-term and long-term results of the use of titanium mesh implants in the treatment of patients with inguinal hernias

Introduction. The implementation of prosthetic variants of inguinal hernioplasty has led to a decrease in the frequency of hernia recurrences and the simultaneous occurrence of specific complications associated with the installation of implants. This dictates the need for a comprehensive assessment of the results of using implants from various materials in patients with inguinal hernias.The aim of the study. Was to compare the results of treatment of patients with inguinal hernias using titanium and polypropylene implants, to evaluate the reparative processes in the implant installation area.Material and methods. The study included 89 patients with inguinal hernia: 50 of them were operated on using a titanium mesh implant (group 1), 39 polypropylene implant (group 2). The duration of surgery, the frequency of complications, the duration of postoperative treatment, quality of life, and the quality of peri-implantation scar were compared.Results. The duration ofthe operation was significantly longer in group 1 (78 minutes versus 64, p0,05). After 6 months, the frequency of chronic groin pain was significantly lower in group 1 (6 % vs. 15,4 %, p0,05), especially in young and middle-aged patients. 12 months after surgery, 28,6 % of group 2 patients showed signs of an ongoing reparative process in the peri-implantation scar. There were no differences in the quality of life between the groups.Conclusion. In the treatment of patients with inguinal hernias, the use of mesh implants made of titanium is preferred.